The holiday break is just around the corner. While many of us will be using the break to relax and unwind with our friends and family, the joys of the holidays can come with a unique mix of health and safety considerations. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season:
- Be fire conscious.
- Never leave open flames (including candles and cooking appliances) unattended.
- Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.
- Only use lights and other electrical decorations that are in good condition. Turn off the lights when you are away or asleep.
- Be mindful of electrical outlets; do not overload them.
- Drive safely.
- Take extra care when driving in inclement weather.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
- Do not use your cell phone while driving.
- Shovel smartly.
- Choose dry and warm clothing when shoveling.
- Before beginning, warm up with some stretching.
- Pushing snow is preferrable to lifting it. If you must throw snow, do not overload the shovel, and do not twist your body; always move with your feet.
- Take breaks and warm up indoors. Stay hydrated!
- Decorate wisely.
- Safely use a ladder instead of chairs or other furniture to reach higher locations. Click here to learn more about safely using a ladder.
- Do not place cords across walkways, doorways, under carpets, or any location that might pose a tripping hazard.
- Avoid placing breakable decorations in areas where they may be prone to being knocked over and broken.
For more holiday safety tips, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
On behalf of the Occupational Health & Safety Services (OHS) team, we would like to wish our entire Humber community a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
